Wexford, PA

Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing

Fraxel is a non-ablative laser that gives you all the skin resurfacing benefits of improved skin tone, texture, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation without the downtime typically associated with ablative lasers.

KEY BENEFITS

  1. Reduces fine lines & wrinkles
  2. Improves uneven skin texture and tone
  3. Fades sunspots and pigmentation
  4. Minimizes fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots

SKIN CONCERNS

Fine Lines & Wrinkles Melasma Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots
Acne Scarring Uneven Skin Texture Uneven Skin Tone

Target Areas

Face Chest Neck

What is Fraxel laser resurfacing?

Fraxel is a type of laser skin resurfacing treatment designed to improve the skin’s appearance by treating a variety of skin concerns. The Fraxel laser creates controlled, microscopic skin injuries, which stimulate the body’s natural healing process and encourage collagen production. Over time, this leads to smoother, firmer, and more even-toned skin.

How does Fraxel laser skin resurfacing work?

Fraxel laser treatments are completely customizable to treat specific individual skin conditions by stimulating the production of healthy, new skin. The Fraxel laser uses unique fractional laser technology to create micro-injuries deep beneath the skin’s surface. As the skin begins to heal, the channels repair themselves by creating new collagen and healthy skin. Imperfections like brown spots, wrinkles, and scar tissue are replaced with smooth, toned, and youthful skin.
Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing FAQs
  • What should I expect during a Fraxel laser skin resurfacing treatment?

    Due to the topical numbing cream and the cool air applied during treatment, most people find the Fraxel laser treatment comfortable. When asked, patients describe the feeling of a “prickling” sensation. Once the treatment sessions are complete, the skin continues to heal itself in the following weeks and months revealing brighter, more even-toned and plumper skin.

  • What’s recovery like?

    Fraxel is considered to be among the most effective laser treatments with the fewest associated side effects. Typical side effects include a mild “sunburn” effect lasting a day or two after treatment. Another common side effect may include mild swelling of the treatment area.

  • How many Fraxel laser skin resurfacing treatments will I need?

    Because Fraxel is entirely customizable to the individual, it is easier to determine the number of treatments by knowing what type of skin condition is being treated. In Pittsburgh, Fraxel treatment plans are developed during your free skincare consultation. Your specific skin conditions and concerns are discussed during the consultation, and your skin is evaluated. However, one or two treatments are typically needed for general skin rejuvenation. Additional treatments may be required to treat hyperpigmentation or sun damage—up to five sessions in some cases. Fraxel treatments are typically performed in four or five sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart.

  • Results of Fraxel laser skin resurfacing?

    Improvement in the skin can be seen almost immediately; however, depending on the skin condition being treated, the result time will vary. You can see improvement after just one treatment for fading of freckles and hyperpigmentation. For collagen building (skin firming), you may see results after the three treatments. Generally, you’ll see an improvement in the tone and texture of your skin after just a single treatment.

  • How is Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing different from other skin resurfacing treatments?

    Fraxel uses unique fractional technology to create micro-thermal zones (similar to a pixel-like grid) deep into the skin, which helps get rid of—and revitalize—old, sun-damaged skin. Each treatment replaces about 15-20% of the sun-damaged, scarred, or wrinkled skin, so it can take a few treatments. Fraxel offers the same effectiveness as the harsher yet effective ablative laser treatment but with the speedy healing time associated with gentler, non-ablative lasers.

  • How should I prepare for treatment?

    Preparation is simple. Fraxel patients must stop using retinoids, acids, exfoliators, or other products that can cause their skin to be more sensitive for at least a week before treatment. If your appointment is in the afternoon, you can apply makeup as usual, and we’ll remove it. Don’t apply makeup if your appointment is first thing in the morning.

  • Is it painful to have Fraxel laser resurfacing treatment?

    We apply numbing cream for about half an hour before your session, ensuring you’ll feel only a little discomfort. Some patients say the laser pulses feel like a prickly sensation that passes immediately. Others say there is a sensation of warmth and heat, but it isn’t unpleasant. Most patients find that these treatments are easily tolerated.

  • Is Fraxel laser skin resurfacing safe for all skin types?

    Yes, these treatments are safe for all skin tones and types. If you have an active acne breakout, waiting for it to clear before having Fraxel is best.

  • Side effects of Fraxel laser resurfacing treatment

    Fraxel is considered to be among the most effective laser treatments with the fewest associated side effects. Typical side effects include a mild “sunburn” effect lasting a day or two after treatment. Another common side effect may include mild swelling of the treatment area.

Things to Keep In Mind for Treatment

  1. Avoid direct sun exposure for 2-4 weeks prior to your treatment.
  2. Apply a daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater and reapply as needed.
  3. Passive sun exposure is acceptable, but tanning, outside or in a tanning bed, is not. You cannot be treated if you have a sunburn, recently tanned, or have sunless tanner on your skin.
  4. Avoid the following active ingredients in treatment areas 7 days prior to treatment: topical retinoids (e.g., Retin-A, tretinoin, adapalene), vitamin C, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid. If you are concerned about any of the products you are using, please ask your provider.
  5. If you have had other skin rejuvenation procedures in the past month, please discuss with your provider to ensure adequate spacing of treatments.
Learn More about pre-care
  1. A physical sunscreen will be applied in sun-exposed treatment areas immediately following the procedure.
  2. A sunburn-like sensation and redness in the treated areas are common and will slowly resolve in the following days. Cool compresses may be used, as needed until this sensation resolves.
  3. Avoid heavy and petroleum-based products in treated areas.
  4. Keep the skin cool and avoid higher body temperatures that might result from hot tubs, saunas, or intense exercise. Let your provider know if you experience irritation as you resume normal activities.
  5. Avoid the following active ingredients in treated areas: topical retinoids (e.g., Retin-A, tretinoin, adapalene), vitamin C, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid.
Learn More about post-care